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🕑 Added 2024-10-08 19:30:16 +0000 UTCWind in the Smoke
Chapter 16: A Competition in Montana
Walking some time after they had eaten, Dante received much more information than he had expected, considering how little time had passed.
He had been thinking about it all this time, but with Susie Glass on her way, he had decided to find a place further away from his family's ranch so she wouldn’t be involved with anyone there.
It may sound childish, but on William's recommendation, Dante decided not to bring that woman to the home where his father slept.
It wasn’t out of fear that she might do something. In fact, Susie is a woman of strong character, but she’s not a killer. She’s merely a mediator for his father’s business, nothing more.
She definitely seemed like a woman who came from a highly educated family, the opposite of what many would think if they found out her family runs a drug cartel.
"We just bought a ranch near a river and lake; it's quite comfortable for you both to talk business all night and for me to show her how to ride a horse." A subtle smile appeared on William's face as he said this, hinting at something everyone had caught onto.
It might be a good decision. No cameras or anyone who could record them—iit’s the best option.
Here in Montana, he had far more authority than in New York; at least, it was easier to kill someone and remain anonymous. Of course, this wasn’t a movie—oone mistake could get him sent to jail.
But since there are codes, Dante wouldn’t be foolish enough to fall into that kind of situation.
"Take me to that horse competition; I'll find my father," Dante said after finishing his drink.
They both walked towards the SUV parked not far away and soon hurriedly left the place.
Beth, who had just left a liquor store, watched her brother talking to that man in a suit and murmured, "That must be the one behind my brother. Interesting..."
…
About half an hour later, Dante had gotten out of the SUV, not without first saying goodbye to William, who had new orders.
In a few days, the pub would open, making things more interesting from that point on.
As Dante approached, he didn’t forget to pay the entrance fee—aafter all, it was the only way to finance the event.
"Have you seen old man Dutton?" Dante asked a man who wasn’t as drunk as the others. On nights like these, alcohol was the only thing that flowed. Beers might be passed around, but soon the best stuff would be hard liquor.
The man looked at Dante and said, "In the stands, as usual, you’ll find him there."
Dante nodded in thanks and quickly headed toward the stands, where his brother Lee called out to him.
Dante's eyes soon found his brother. He walked there calmly but kept a sharp eye on his surroundings. Supposedly, no one knew him, not his enemies, but allies could always succumb to greed.
That’s why, aside from the bodyguards in the shadows, Dante himself was a killing machine.
At first glance, Dante might appear to be twenty-two, but in experience, he had more than forty years of killing and protecting his own safety. Maybe in the past, it wasn’t as worthwhile as it is now, but he was happy with this life, eager to experience many of the things he couldn’t before.
One of them was to enjoy his time with extreme calm. He wasn’t in a rush; at least, that’s what he wanted in this life.
"Where were you?" John noticed his youngest son arriving casually and couldn’t help but ask.
Dante looked at the horse competition about to start and said, "I had some negotiations with the man who’s buying the peat. I’ll also organize a reliable group of workers for the ranch."
"How much will it cost us?"
"Don’t worry about the money; I can handle it myself." Dante had more than enough money, plenty to spend.
John didn’t believe this and said, "I’ll give you a business card. Use it."
"You trust me that much?"
"Don't talk about that."
Dante smiled, and taking advantage of being in a more comfortable situation with his father, he said, "A friend from afar will be coming. Since it would be awkward to have her at the house, I’ll be working at the ranch where the processed peat will be made."
"It’s no inconvenience for us." John had no problem with Dante bringing a friend to the house.
"We shouldn’t give a bad impression. My Helena hasn’t left yet, so for now, I’d rather work on the essentials." Dante said with a smile, and checking the time, he stood up to go rest early.
"Leaving already?" Lee was surprised to see his brother heading off.
"I need to rest; my sleep hours are essential to avoid being grumpy during the day." Dante held sleep sacred, so feeling uncomfortable in places like this, he left.
He wasn’t prepared to be in crowded places yet, still feeling uneasy despite having control.
